Published on Friday, 23 August 2024 at 10:47:42 AM
Midwest local governments are increasing pressure for an emergency helicopter service following several regional tragedies.
Western Australia’s Perth and Peel areas are connected to the lifesaving resources, but a significant gap remains for those north of Perth.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Jerry Clune is rallying behind the Shire of Carnarvon, Northampton and Yalgoo for the service to be expanded.
“The Midwest is calling for its own emergency helicopter to treat our entire community,” he said.
“Accessing emergency care by vehicle can take hours when every minute counts in life-threatening cases. Having an aeromedical service that can immediately respond would reduce time spent on roads and help save lives.
“Geraldton Airport has the potential to be this service’s base and we have accounted for that in our master plan, but we need the state government’s support to make it happen.”
Community member Ian Dempsey long been championing the need for an emergency helicopter and sought more than 1,000 signatures in a petition that went to Parliament in 2023.
The City of Greater Geraldton will continue to support neighbouring local governments in advocating for an emergency helicopter to be based at Geraldton Airport.
ENDS
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